Page 141 - Gulf Precis (V)_Neat

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thorn bad beon in tbo employ of Yusuf-ol-Ibraliim. Several witnesses were
found who had seen tho expedition start from Dara, and Yusuf having been
present on shore and superintended tbo arrangements, until tbo expedition
started. It was clear also that tho captured dhows .wore tho property of Yusuf.
277. The Ynli of Basrah deputed Police authorities to make an investigation
into the caso, but it was clear that tho onquiry was a sham one and that the
Yali's officers did their utmost to stifle the enquiry. Six of the witnesses, who
were, inhabitants of Koweit, were taken to Basrah to mako their depositions. It
was demanded that their depositions should be taken in the presence of the Com­
mander of tho Lapwing, as Sheikh Mubarak wished that they should not bo let
out of his presence, lest they should be enticed away and ill-treated and murdered,
but this demand was refused by tho Vali, as against the procedure of the Ottoman
Courts. (See translation of his letter dated 3rd November 1902). He also
described the witnesses as ‘Ottoman * subjects, which implied that Koweit was
Ottoman territory. Their depositions taken on oath by the British Consul
were then sent to the Vali, as also tho sworn depositions of 7 witnesses taken at
Koweit by Commander Cartwright. Yet the criminal proceedings of the Basrah
Police or Courts made no progress nor was any step taken against tho culprits.
A request was also made by the British Consul that tho deposition of tho wit­
nesses might be taken by a Magistrate on board tho gunboat in which they
were conveyed. This request too was not complied with.
278. When these facts were reported to tho Foreign Department, it was
urged by the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Dane, that a strong naval demonstration and
an occupation of Fao would be the wisest course, but it was finally decided that
a strong protest to the Porte with demand for the removal of the Vali and the
punishment of the culprits would be tho more advisablo course in tho first
instance. The following telegram was accordingly sent to tho Secretary of
State on 13th December 1902:—
<* It is clear from reports of Wratislaw and Commander, Lapwing, that Yusuf-bin-
Ibrahim directly organised recent piratical attempt upon Koweit, and that Wali has deliberately
brought about collapse of enquiry, in course of which moreover he twice claimed inhabitants
of Koweit as Ottoman subjects. It does not seem possible to drop a case in which Turks havo
so behaved and in which British blue jackets have lost their lives. We urjjc strong measures
to prevent a repetition of incidents whioh must gravely prejudice our position at Koweit and
our prestige in Gulf. Wo trust that Ilis Majesty's Government will press for suppression of
Wali and for punishment of Yusuf-bin-Ibrahim aud guilty parties. Attitude of Turkey h^re
as well as at Aden suggests that limits of concession have been reached, and it may bo desir­
able to mako display of force if reparation be not given/'
279. A strong remonstrance was tbereforo made by Sir N. O’Conor under
the orders of the Foreign Office to tho
No. 35 of Secret E , Apr|J 1003, Nos. 23-70.
Porto and it was urged that tho Ottoman
Government should themselves take the initiative of punishing Yusuf-el-Tbrahim
and the Sheikh’s nephews by removing them from Basrah and by otherwise
letting them understand that Turkish soil could not be mado use of for organiz­
ing hostile expeditions against the Sheikh of Koweit. (Sir N. O’Conor’s despatch,
dated 2nd December 1902)
280. On 6th January 1903 Sir N. O’Conor reported that the Grand Vizier
had after a meeting of the Council instruct­
Enelo. to Pro. No. 47.
ed the Minister of the Interior to ordor the
Vali of Basrah to expel Yusuf Ibrahim and the two delinquent nephews of
Sheikh Mubarak. On tho 7th January,
Enclo, to Pro. No. 37.
the Vali of Basrah informed the British
Consul that he had proposed that Klialid and namud should be ordered to reside
in their property at Guerdilan (a couple of miles above Basrah) and a pension*
should bo allowed to them. Sheikh Yusuf had already left Basrah on tho 8th De­
cember 1902. lie had with Mubarak Azebi
No. 370 of See ret D, February 1903, Nos. 102*307.
and Klmlcd-biu-Aun, who is Sheikh of
Zubir, collected 200 men and attacked Sheikh Mubarak’s tribesmen residing.in
the vicinity of Jobara. Tho tribesmen repelled them and in doing so wounded